Sooo our #1 pick for now is Avia Hotel in Long Beach. Mr. Oceanside felt like the decor, layout, and price was right. He really likes V2o (our #2) but says he can picture his grandma being more comfortable here. We’ll I love his grandmother and I think he’s right…for all of our grandparents sake, this venue probably feels more “wedding” like than some of the others we toured. This venue will still give me my “modern” feel and since it promotes itself as a “boutique-chic” hotel. I still think I can funk out the rooms so their less “traditional” by using long tables and do family-style seating rather than the traditional rounds. The outdoor terrace and banquet room (known as the Gallery) will also have lounge seating which will reflect the modern look also. The pool deck view is amazing (you can see all of the Long Beach harbor) and so are the guest rooms. I’m still on the edge on this place only because there are still LOTS of unknowns since it actually doesn’t open until August 1st. We were actually the very first “wedding tour” they’ve done…feeling kind of special! They are still creating their catering menu and wedding packages and we should hear from them next week. But I will admit I think I love it even more now just because Mr. Oceanside put in his 2 cents! I’m not cutting off any of my other options until I get their proposal which I should have by the end of next week! Cant’ wait! Here are some pics we took while they were still setting things up…
Archive for the Category »Poolside Weddings «
So isn’t it funny the places you think will be your least favorite end up being the one you love and the one that was your favorite didn’t quite meet the mark!? Well unfortunately that was the case for Shade Hotel in Manhattan Beach. Now do not get me wrong- this place is AWESOME! If I only had about 50 guests and my ceremony location was a little closer to Manhattan Beach then this would be my venue for sure. They offer several different “spaces” of the hotel you could use. The middle courtyard area can be used for ceremonies as well as a reception, the lounge/bar area can also be used for a small cocktail style gathering, and the sky deck (poolside) can be used for a reception. I was only interested in touring the Sky Deck because it had an ocean view and it was poolside- the makeup of my perfect venue! The area unfortunately does not have much seating space and its slightly smaller than expected. The upside is the modern, “chic” decor is great and would not take much decorating. Poolside lighting is already in place and space heaters would also be available since it does get chilly at night because of the ocean breeze. There are plenty of plants around the deck so again this would cut down on flower decorations and centerpieces if a bride was trying to save money. It’s within walking distance to the Manhattan Beach Pier so if your guests stayed in the area there would be plenty to do, lots to see. They do offer guests a 10% discount on their rooms (which are gorgeous by the way!) With the food and drink package options you really could really stay under $8000 for about 80-100 people. That’s a GREAT deal for the area. I can also give their food two thumbs up! We got to the hotel a little early before our appointment so had lunch out on the patio at their restaurant. Between my mom, friend, and I we all had something different and we agreed the food was great! So anyway, again don’t give them a bad rating at all. Unfortunately just for the number of people we’re expecting and the location it won’t be a match for us this time. I’ve attached some of my own pics I took of the hotel on my trip out there!
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- From Google Images
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- From Google Images
So here are two more venues we’ll be visiting when we go in July. Avia Hotel in Long Beach actually won’t be opening until August 1, but the Sales Director has been nice enough to schedule a site visit with us since we’re only there for a few days. I’ve seen pics from the Savannah location from a friend of mine and it looks gorgeous! The Savannah location prices look extremely affordable so I’m crossing my fingers its not too outrageous in Long Beach. Once we visit, I’ll post more pics. It sits right in downtown Long Beach and has ocean views! And last but not least is the Norris Center Pavilion in Rolling Hills Estates. This is the only indoor facility we are considering. The actual venue sits on a hill overlooking the water, but they don’t have an outdoor patio or seating area. The reason I like this place is its very affordable to rent out and you have the option of using their vendor list or you can bring in your own. Its what they call a “blank canvas” meaning I can bring the room to life with my own creativity! Ha ha! I’ve seen some amazing photos from this place from other weddings! Again, we really want something with an oceanview, but I thought I would check it out anyway. July can’t come soon enough!
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- Shade Hotel
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- Shade Hotel Pool
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- LBMA
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- LBMA Ocean View
So I have narrowed it down to a few reception sites, but since we’re not visiting until July, I haven’t made a decision just yet. Again we didn’t exactly want to get married right on the beach but instead, select a venue with an oceanview of some kind. Two options are the Shade Hotel in Manhattan Beach or the Long Beach Museum of Art. Shade Hotel would be poolside with a view of the ocean (and on good days, maybe even a view of Catalina Island!) and the LB Historic Museum would offer a direct view of the Queen Mary! I hope they still have my wedding date(s) available by the time we go. Crossing my fingers!